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Aegean Antiquities (Monet)

Aegean Antiquities (Monet)

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Description

September in the Aegean is the perfect time for visiting some of the unspoiled islands, timeless villages and ancient sites. Join us aboard the 50-passenger MS Monet and explore ancient sites where 3000 years of history can be viewed in relative peace and quiet at a time of year when the absence of high summer crowds will contribute towards making this a memorable journey. We will explore some truly fascinating sites including sacred Delos, the ancient city of Ephesus where digging has been taking place for over a century and is rightly one of the most famous Graeco- Roman sites in the Mediterranean as well as Pergamum which was one of the cultural capitals of antiquity and is one of the finest archaeological sites in Turkey.

After many years of experience of operating cruises in the Aegean, we believe we have the perfectly balanced itinerary with a mix of guided excursions and time at leisure to explore the charming villages independently or perhaps visit a nearby beach. We have planned some late departures from port, which affords the opportunity to enjoy an after dinner stroll in some towns which are particularly atmospheric in the evening. Owing to the fact that our small ship can moor centrally, we have the added advantage of being able to access the towns and villages by foot in many of the ports of call instead of by long coach transfers. Whether you are interested in ancient history, Greek myths or simply enjoy cruising amongst beautiful scenery, this voyage has a lot to offer.

Trip Name
Aegean Antiquities (Monet)
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Motor Yacht Passenger Capacity: 50 Build / Referbished: 1998 / 2016 / 2018 Your Cabin All the cabins on board the MS Monet are designed for comfort and have a warm and inviting feel with light fabrics and wood trimmings. Cabins range in size from 9 to 22 square metres and Categories A, B & C are equipped with windows, while those in Category D have portholes. Cabins 104-107, 112, 119, 205 and 210-215 feature twin beds and all other cabins have fixed double beds. Facilities include en-suite bathroom with shower, television, minifridge, safety deposit box, air-conditioning and hairdryer. Your Space The public areas include a main lounge and bar with comfortable sofas on the Lumiere Deck, a restaurant located on the Parisian Deck and the Lumiere Open Deck al fresco dining area where meals can be enjoyed when weather permits. The gym can be found on the Parisian Deck and the Lumiere Sun Deck provides a delightful sun exposed space with sun loungers and a Jacuzzi, ideal for relaxation and wonderful views. Your Dining Located on the Parisian Deck, the glass enclosed indoor dining room seats all passengers in a single sitting with unassigned seating and allows for wonderful panoramic views of the stunning scenery as we sail. The Lumiere Open Deck provides a generous covered area where guests can enjoy meals al fresco, weather permitting. Food is served at the table or displayed on the hot and cold buffet stands. The menu is international, with a focus on local specialties. A choice of house wine, beer and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner. Life On Board During the day, life on board focuses around the indoor lounge area, and the indoor and outdoor dining spaces, as well as the open and inviting deck areas including the Jacuzzi. These are natural gathering places and perfect for enjoying your meals al fresco, relaxing in a comfortable chair with a good book or socialising with your fellow passengers and enjoying the views.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London Heathrow to Istanbul, Turkey.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet and embark.
Day 2 - Day 2 Canakkale.
Be on deck this morning as we pass through Dardanelles. We arrive in the early afternoon at Canakkale, our gateway for Troy, where ongoing archaeological excavations have revealed nine different layers of cities superimposed in rings on a massive mound rising above the Plain of Ilium. It was at one of these cities, as legend has it, that the Greeks fought the Trojans as told by Homer in the Iliad. Our tour follows the excavations made by Heinrich Schliemann, the archaeologist who discovered Troy and “Priam’s Treasure”, the jewels that, Schliemann claimed, were worn by Helen of Troy. We will walk the walls that held Helen of Troy and look down at the plain where Achilles dragged the dead body of Hector. We can also visit the new Troy museum on site.
Day 3 - Day 3 Dikili.
From the port of Dikili we will drive inland to Pergamum with its splendid Acropolis towering above the valley of the Caicus River. This city, built by Alexander’s warring generals became one of the cultural capitals of antiquity, its library rivalling those of Athens and Alexandria. Today Pergamum is one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites. Take a cable car up to the Acropolis to see the remains of the citadel and the city walls, the foundations of the Zeus Altar and the Royal Palace. We will enjoy a local lunch before returning to MS Monet for some time at leisure before sailing in the early evening.
Day 4 - Day 4 Kusadasi.
From our berth in Kusadasi we will drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, a stunning and partially excavated site where digging has been taking place for over a century. Broad streets are lined by impressive buildings including the library of Celsus and the temples of Serapis and Hadrian. Once the capital of Ionia, St Paul preached here on his second missionary journey and we will see the Church of the Virgin Mary, the most important Christian monument in Ephesus. Also see the spectacular Grand Theatre, originally built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks, and later expanded by the Romans to its present capacity of 24,000. We will enjoy a local lunch and visit the lesser known site of Priene, once a small but wealthy Ionian town on the slopes of the Mycale escarpment overlooking the broad expanse of the Menderes River plain.
Day 5 - Day 5 Patmos, Greece.
Of all the Greek islands, Patmos is the most sacred to Christians both Orthodox and Western and it was here that St John received his revelation. This morning, we will make our way to the grotto of St John. This small cave, now converted into the beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote ‘Book of the Apocalypse’. From here continue to the village of Chora, with its simple houses and Byzantine churches and climb to the Monastery of St John the Theologian. Upon entering into the courtyard, admire the intricate pebbled floor, decorated arches and frescoes adorning the entrance to the chapel of Christodoulos. Return to the MS Monet for lunch and an afternoon and evening at leisure. Perhaps explore the picturesque town of Skala or maybe enjoy a swim at a nearby beach.
Day 6 - Day 6 Kos.
According to Myth, Kos was the homeland of the Giants. The island has given to the world Hippocrates, father of medicine and the 4th century painter Apelles. We will drive the short distance to the Asklepion, the infirmary of Antiquity, which was constructed in the 4th century BC. Among the ruins are part of the Doric Temple of Aesculapius, the altar and the Stoa which housed the famous Hippocrates Medical School. After lunch on board you have the afternoon to explore Kos Town at your own pace.
Day 7 - Day 7 Rhodes.
Our tour this morning will take us to the ancient Acropolis of Lindos. From here the views of the Pelagus and St Paul’s Bay, where the apostle anchored during his voyage to Ephesus, are stunning. The Medieval walls which guard Lindos were constructed by the Knights of St John. This afternoon there will be the opportunity to relax on board or explore the street and walls of Rhodes Town at leisure or on a guided tour before sailing in the late evening.
Day 8 - Day 8 Tilos.
Awake in timeless Tilos, this lovely island of the Dodecanses has still to find its way onto the pages of tour operator’s brochures and so retains its traditional atmosphere. See Livadia, a lively little town and Megalo Chorio, its tiny capital rich in Crusader castles. Enjoy some time at leisure before sailing later in the afternoon. There is a beach nearby for those that prefer to have a swim.
Day 9 - Day 9 Mykonos.
From Mykonos we take a local boat over to the uninhabited island of Delos, which though the smallest of the Cyclades, was once the political and religious centre for the whole of the Aegean. Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it boasted an oracle second only to that of Delphi. Explore the magnificent archaeological site including the marble sanctuary of Apollo. Return to the MS Monet and explore Mykonos town at leisure.
Day 10 - Day 10 Athens to London Heathrow.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Visit Canakkale.
    • Discover Dikili & Kusadasi.
    • Explore Kos & Rhodes.
    • Enjoy Mykonos.

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